The nine performing Spanish horses make their debuts in Dunedin tomorrow in "El Caballo Blanco: The Dance of the White Stallions".
The animals had been revered for centuries in Europe for their intelligence, athleticism and grace, riding master Rene Gasser, of Melbourne, said yesterday.
The Andalusian, Arabian, Friesian and Lipizzaner horses were flown to Auckland from Melbourne and then transported by road to Dunedin this week.
"It's the first time we've been here. There will be lots of surprises and stunts, although I don't want to give too much away," Mr Gasser said. "But there will be a special appearance by a man who rides a black horse and wears a black mask."
The horses enjoyed performing as much as the riders, he said.
"They love the audience and all the hype. They're no different to people. Once the music starts they just love it. They all grow a bit and you see them with their chests out. They've all got their own personalities.
"To train a horse usually takes from five to 10 years. It's like educating a kid. They go to kindy first and then school. We call the old fellows 'professors', because they study as long as a professor."
The old warhorse in the troupe is 22-year-old Apollo and the greenhorn is 6-year-old Maestro.
Horses are a family affair for Mr Gasser, a sixth generation horseman. His wife, Barbara, runs the troupe and their daughter Katherina, known to all as "GG", was almost born in a saddle and is home-schooled so she can travel and perform with the troupe.
"I've been to so many countries that I can't remember them all. Everywhere my parents and the horses go, I go," she said. "I've always loved horses."
Her stablemate, Brooke Stallard (28), of Melbourne, has been riding since the age of 2, and performing with the troupe for the past seven years.
"El Caballo Blanco: The Dance of the White Stallions" is on at the Edgar Centre at 7.30pm tomorrow and Friday.
